Suboxone is a medication widely used in most opioid treatment programs. In fact, it contains a mixture of active ingredients that help you make it safely through the withdrawal process. Fortunately, most people use Suboxone exactly as intended. However, it’s possible to misuse or abuse the medication. If you or someone you know is involved in a pattern of misuse, a Suboxone treatment program will support your recovery.
The truth is that it helps to know some potential signs of this kind of medication abuse. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at Suboxone.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a brand-name medication that comes in the form of a film that you place under your tongue. It has two main ingredients. The first is a weak opioid called buprenorphine. The second is an anti-opioid known as naloxone. When you take Suboxone, its buprenorphine content helps ease the impact of opioid withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Watery eyes
- Loose bowels
- Achy or trembling muscles
- Increased sweating
- A runny nose
- Feeling unusually cold or hot
Suboxone’s naloxone content limits buprenorphine’s peak potential drug effects.
Suboxone’s Role in Medication-Assisted Treatment
Suboxone is a common option for medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT. MAT combines the use of medication and psychotherapy. In this way, it helps you halt a damaging pattern of opioid abuse and get sober. It also helps you reduce your future risks of abusing an opioid drug or medication.
The Potential for Suboxone Abuse
Suboxone deters you from using it for unintended purposes in a couple of ways. First, on its own, buprenorphine is weaker than heroin, fentanyl, and other commonly abused opioids. This means that it does not produce the same kind of euphoric drug effects. Therefore, if you’re used to taking stronger opioids, buprenorphine is simply a poor recreational substitute. The limiting effects of the naloxone in Suboxone make it even less appealing as a target of abuse.
Still, despite these facts, some people do attempt to abuse the medication. Two groups are particularly at risk. In the first group are people affected by milder forms of opioid addiction. The second group includes people with no history of opioid problems. For both of these groups, Suboxone may have enough of a drug effect to make abusing it an enticing option.
Potential Signs That Someone Is Abusing Suboxone
How can you tell if someone is abusing Suboxone? The specific signs may vary from person to person. In addition, you may have trouble determining if abuse is actually occurring. Still, there is a range of potential issues to look for, including:
- Taking Suboxone more often than prescribed
- Using it in higher doses than prescribed
- Unexplained mood changes
- Altered sleep patterns
- Trying to obtain multiple Suboxone prescriptions
- Taking the medication in combination with alcohol or other substances
- An increase in secretive behavior
- Other unexplained changes in typical behavior
Be aware that some of these indicators also have other possible causes. If you have any questions about what you’re observing, ask a doctor or addiction specialist for advice.
Get More Information on Suboxone Abuse at Coalition Recovery
Do you worry that someone you know may be a victim of Suboxone abuse? The experts at Coalition recovery are standing by. We’ll help you understand the risks of abusing this opioid medication. In addition, we’ll help you determine if abuse is actually taking place.
Coalition Recovery is also your source for quality, evidence-based treatment for Suboxone abuse. Our customized approach supports every aspect of your return to sobriety and well-being. We also provide the same high standard of care for other kinds of opioid problems. Call us today at 888.707.2873 to learn more about our specialized services. You can also fill out our online form.
